Since the launch of Windows 8 and the Windows RT-donning Microsoft Surface in the last quarter of 2012, the Windows Store has come a far way in both quality and quantity of apps. Even though a vast majority of users may not care for the new Modern UI elements introduced in the latest iteration of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, many among them will appreciate the value Windows Store apps add to the overall user experience. After your positive response on our compilation of best Windows desktop applications of 2012, we decided to treat our Windows 8 and RT using readers to a similar list. What follows is a collection of the best Windows Store apps that we covered during the past year. Even if you aren’t a fan of the new OS, sift through the list once and see if the apps can change your mind about it.

1. Skype (The signature blue-themed VoIP service finally received some Windows 8 love on the eve of operating system’s launch, and we have to admit, it does look ravishing.)

2. Vimeo (Vimeo’s official Windows 8 app boasts an exemplary design, lets you watch videos in high definition and upload your own with ease.)

3. MINE For Facebook (The best option available to Facebook users until an official client comes to Windows 8)

4. Tweetro (Hands down, one of the best Twitter apps on the Windows Store and a personal favorite for many of us here at AddictiveTips)

5. PrimeTube (If we had to pick the best third party YouTube app for Windows 8 and RT, this would unarguably be the one.)

6. IM+ (The best messaging application ever come to the Windows Store. It nails the competition by allowing you to chat with your friends on Facebook, Skype, Google Talk, AOL, Yahoo and a plethora of other social networking sites, under one roof.)